Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation | Fairchild 71 This beautiful Fairchild 71 was restored to better than new condition. This image was captured handheld; probably down on one knee. Early evening light adds to the nostalgia feeling. The 30-110mm lens has such a wide range, actually 81-297mm, it stays on the Nikon 1 V3 most of the time while walking around the AAA Fly-in. To see the entire story with all seven images, go to Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation | a 7 Image Story.

Nikon 1 V3 for Aviation | a 7 Image Story My journey with the Nikon 1 series cameras and lenses started with the V1, skipped the V2, and embraced the V3. The V3 fixed several annoying V1 traits. Also, handling, auto-focus, and metering improved dramatically. About the same time, a firmware upgrade allowed the auto-focus to more easily keep aircraft in focus while panning with the lens attached to the FT-1 adapter. Thus, the Nikon 1 V3 became a reasonably nice camera for capturing aviation images as well as most other images. I’ve captured a variety of aircraft images including props, jets, sailplanes, float planes, helicopters, and even a blimp. Those images included statics both on land and water as well as ground to air while panning handheld. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any air to air images yet. Thus far, my data base contains over 75K+ V1 and V3 images with over 1330 posted on this blog.

What the V3 does well, it does very well. Now, the V3 is my preferred carry camera for capturing daily walkabout images. It shoots much like a DSLR in continuous mode. Although a bit noisy at higher ISOs, the image quality is quite good, particularly for posting. Although bracketing would really be helpful, today’s post processing software reduces the need. The 2.7 crop factor helps improve images where getting closer is not an option, like at air shows. Would I only take it to an air show or fly-in and leave my DSLRs in the hangar? Well yes, occasionally I do, if a light travel pack is required. Still, I’d rather take both my DSLRs and the V3.

In a nutshell, what specifically do I like about the Nikon 1 V3 for aviation?

The Nikon 1 V3 is relatively small and light to carry. Carrying heavy gear all day around air shows gets old, fast.

It’s easy to carry with a telephoto lens attached, like the AFS 70-300mm & FT-1, using the sun sniper shoulder strap.

Image quality seems quite good unless a really large print is required.

With a little practice, it can be panned handheld with slower shutter speeds to capture blurred propellers.

The tilting LCD reduces the time spent hugging the ground to get that low angle shot.

While I seldom use video, a short video makes a nice addition to event posts.

Of course, most Nikon AFS lenses work nicely, using the FT-1 adapter.

The V3 presents a few more challenges over my DSLRs!

The Nikon 1 V3 requires a bit more camera discipline than a my DSLRs. The controls sometimes move during normal handling so the photographer must often check to ensure the settings are correct.

Panning in low light can be demanding and a high ISO generates a good bit of noise.

The small camera frame, attached to a long, heavy telephoto lens, does not seem balanced; making handling a bit tricky. The Nikon AFS 70-300mm works nicely, whereas, the AFS 70-200mm; not so much. Also, care must be taken not to break the camera mount with a heavy telephoto lens. Always carry it by the lens or the FT-1, not the camera.

Changing the battery and/or the MicroSD card in the field takes some time and care.

Build quality is more consumer than professional. If dropped, it can break.

What’s next? Nikon appears to have discontinued the Nikon 1 V series; too bad. A V4 camera could have addressed several V3 issues to become a really great camera. It’s not yet clear what my next carry camera will be; maybe another V3.